Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2015
486. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the number of references made to Cork Airport in the current draft national aviation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16539/15]
View answerThe Draft National Aviation Plan (NAP), which is now at an advanced stage, will be published in the near future. The draft Policy essentially recognises the importance of the aviation sector to Ireland and to economic recovery and growth. The Policy is designed to facilitate the expansion of the aviation industry, help make it more competitive, tackle barriers to growth and facilitate the development of new air transport links. It contains specific provisions for each of the State Airports including Cork. It restates Government Policy in relation to Cork and recognises Cork Airport's role as a key tourism and business gateway for that region, as well as its strategic importance, serving Ireland's second city and its hinterland, as well as identifying the potential for the airport to stabilise and grow traffic.
I am very much of the view that the policies identified in the NAP and the recently published National Tourism Policy will create the conditions necessary to complement and assist the work of Cork Airport as it strives to reverse the decline in recent years in passenger numbers at the Airport. The NAP will however make it clear, that it is a matter for the daa and Cork Airport management to stabilise and to grow traffic. Therefore, I expect that the opportunities provided in these Plans will be fully exploited by them.
